The river systems are very important in Australia as we live on such a dry continent. Many of our freshwater rivers flow out to the ocean forming estuaries.Australia's largest river system is the Murray-Darling.

Humans use the rivers in many different ways these include;

• fishing
• boating
• swimming
• drinking water
• irrigation

Which catchment do you live in?

Think of the nearby major creek or river?

Can you think of other ways humans use the river?

Sometimes our stormwater drains will flow into the creeks and rivers out to sea.

Many plants and animals live in our river systems. Platypus burrow into the river banks and hunt for invertebrates (small animals). Fish find algae on the surface of submerged logs. Birds skim the surface for insects. Frogs find shelter in the reeds.

The area along the edge of a river is important for providing a habitat or home for many animals and plants. Plants living along the river edge help to filter water and protect the banks from erosion.